We asked our panel of experts and insiders to select their choices for various awards for the 2018 season. We will reveal their answers over the coming days.
Take a look at who is the 2018 Chargers Most Improved Player:
Ricky Henne – Michael Davis
The first player who popped into my mind is Mike Williams, as the version we saw in 2018 vastly differed from the one we saw as a rookie. However, that's not really fair. We all knew that Williams was greatly hindered by a back injury in 2017, so we never saw his true self. So, I've got to give the award to Michael Davis. The former undrafted free agent flashed as a rookie, showing a raw skillset and ability that had potential, but needed refinement. Well, that certainly was the case this year as the cornerback wrestled a starting spot midway through the year and proved to be a reliable, steady presence in the back end. Davis still has a ways to go before fully realizing his potential, but he took a massive step forward his sophomore season, starting 11 games between the regular season and playoffs.
Hayley Elwood – Mike Williams
Heading into 2018, everyone wanted to know how Mike Williams was going to respond in his sophomore season. Respond he did. Williams silenced any doubters as to why the Chargers picked him seventh-overall in the 2017 Draft. He had a monster 2018 season accruing 11 total touchdowns. I think Williams can only go up from here, and I'm excited to see what he can do in 2019.
Chris Hayre – Mike Williams
At the conclusion of last season, Philip Rivers stressed how important it was for Williams to have a healthy offseason. He did, and from OTAs all the way in to January, the Clemson All-American proved why he was selected seventh-overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Williams totaled 11 touchdowns in a season that included acrobatic catches, clutch performances and wide-open two-point conversions. The 24-year-old Williams played in all 16 games in 2018 and two playoff games.
Daniel Jeremiah – Isaac Rochell
Isaac was a key player this fall, especially during the absence of Joey Bosa. He was a disruptive pass rusher.
Matt "Money" Smith – Mike Williams
Sure, an injury derailed his rookie campaign, but he wasn't only better when looking back to last season. By the end of this year, including the Patriots game, he was at times unstoppable. Eleven touchdowns is a massive number, and I think it's totally warranted to expect it as the norm with him moving forward.
More Chargers.com Team Awards
